Metro ramps up police presence in Prince George's

By Brianne Carter, Ben Eisler
1309335574000

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In a joint effort, Metro Transit Police and Prince George's County Police have stepped up security at Metro stations in the country in response to a spike in crimes at Metro stations and parking lots in the county.

Candice Kinard, who lives in Cheverly, said she was glad to see the police presence, but worried if it would still be as strong next week.

“You feel terrified because you're just trying to get home or get to work. And at the end of the day you're taking a chance when you catch Metro,” Kinard said.

Vandalism and carjackings

Anthony Harewood, a frequent Metro rider, said his car was vandalized at the Largo Town Center station.

"I came back from work and I saw that my tags on my car were gone, so I called Metro Police," he said.

Last month during a carjacking in the Largo station's parking garage, a 21-year-old woman was shot and her 54-year-old father was beaten. A previous carjacking at the New Carrollton station had already made riders anxious.

Authorities are attempting to reach out to riders and crack down on crime near the county's 14 Metro stations. They've dubbed the joint effort "Operation Blue Tide."

“We're going to be here throughout the summer doing spot checks,” said Sgt. William Heggs of the Prince George’s county police.

Extra patrols by foot and by cruiser will specifically be present in the parking lots. Riders should expect a heavier than usual police presence between 5 and 7 p.m. The police left for the night Wednesday, but say they'll return periodically to stations throughout the summer.